Life Cycle Events

The Torah commands us to circumcise our newborn sons on the eighth day of their new lives. This powerful ceremony celebrates new life and also brings our sons into Judaism's sacred covenant. Our rabbis can put you in touch with a Mohel (ritual circumciser), help you understand the ceremony, and co-officiate along with the Mohel.

We celebrate the great blessing of a newborn daughter with a ceremony that brings her into the covenant, and confers upon her a Hebrew name. Our rabbis can help you fully understand and plan for this ceremony, which takes place in the synagogue, Friday evenings during the Kabbalat Shabbat service. Read more in Rabbi John's guide to Naming your Children.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah students, whether children in our schools or adults participating in our Adult B'nai program, find the process of becoming B'nai Mitzvah and assuming communal responsibility one of the most moving family experiences at TIOH. As a son or daughter of the commandments, you commit yourself to proud membership in our ancient people and contemporary community. For more details on B'nai Mitzvah click here. You can also read Rabbi John's guide to Becoming Bar/Bat Mitzvah.

Our rabbis can help you prepare for this wonderful, joyous occasion, by teaching bride and groom the meaning of the ceremony, from Ketubah (marriage document), to Kiddushin (Engagement) to Huppah (Marriage Canopy) to Nissuin (marriage ceremony) to breaking the glass. They can counsel you, offering Jewish wisdom in preparation for a life dedicated to love and companionship. They may officiate, but will also work with you in designing the ceremony, providing their knowledge and experience. Read more in Rabbi John's guide to Planning your Jewish Wedding.

Our tradition offers several powerful end of life rituals – Kriah (tearing of a garment), Levayah (funeral procession), Hesped (eulogy), Kevurah (burial) and Shivah (prescribed – traditionally seven days of mourning). Our rabbis can counsel you and advise you on these and other rituals. We can also perform the funeral ceremony, and help you understand and implement other meaningful Jewish mourning practices. Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary is a community service of Temple Israel of Hollywood and their professional and sensitive staff and resources are always available. Read more about Preparing for Jewish Burial and Mourning.

TIOH welcomes "Jews by Choice". Abraham and Sarah, the founders of the Jewish people, were not born Jewish. Conversion to Judaism means accepting the Jewish faith and becoming part of the Jewish people. The process involves both personal guidance by the rabbis and extensive study of Jewish texts. Our rabbis are always available for those people and their families interested in seeking conversion. Click here to read more about Converting to Judiasm in Rabbi John's guide or visit the URJ site here.

We also rent our facilities for your events. Contact our Events Coordinator (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ).